I decided to write a review of the CC pistols that I have access to in order to help out those of you who are still looking for the perfect carry piece. This is not by any stretch of the imagination a comprehensive gathering of CCWs, but it does include some of the most popular choices, and should give you a good idea of what is out there and how they compare to each other, from both a size/concealability standpoint and a usability standpoint.
From left to right, the contestants are: Kel-Tec P3AT, Kel-Tec PF-9, Kel-Tec P11, Para Ordnance P10 (with Warthog slide), Para Ordnance Warthog (with P12 slide ), European American Arms EA380, Smith & Wesson SW99c (same as Walther P99c), Smith and Wesson M&P compact, and Springfield XD Micro.
(order reversed)
Most of the pistols are 9mm, with the exception of the two Paras (.45ACP) and the P3AT and EA380 (.380ACP). Action wise, they range from the quintesentially traditional SAO (Single Action Only) 1911 Para Ordnances and the EA380 (basically a Walther PPK clone), to the ultra modern LDA (Light Double Action) M&P and XD compacts. Somewhere in between are the more traditional DAO (Double Action Only) Kel-Tecs and the SA/DA SW99/Walther. The P3AT is the obvious lightweight here, tipping the scales at a platry 11.3oz fully loaded (6+1 .380ACP), as compared to the P10 (one of the two steel framed pistol here), which lives up to the "warthog" moniker, weighing in at 39.6oz fully loaded (10+1 .45ACP). Although the P3AT is both the smallest and lightest gun, the P10 is not the largest, in spite of being the heaviest.
Now that I've thoroughly confused you, lets move to the individual pistols. I've tried to include specs as best as I can figure, and my impressions on the guns themselves. I have not shot all of them, but the ones that I have shot will include a range report. So without futher ado:
Caliber: 9mm
L/H/W: 6.25/4.75/1.32
Weight empty: 23.4oz
Weight loaded:
Barrel: 3"
This is, by far, the most feature rich pistol in the comparison. It has two external safeties (grip and trigger, and the grip doubles as a slide lock), it has a (optional) mag safety, it has a firing pin safety; that's like FOUR safeties! It's amazing the thing actually manages to go bang when you pull the trigger :roll:. Additionally, it has a striker indicator, so you know if it's cocked or not, and a chamber loaded indicator, so you know if it's loaded; it's got so many gadgets James Bond really should consider trading in his Walther for and XD :lol:. Seriously, though, the features are actually nice, and I can imagine that they would come in handy for checking the status of the gun in the dark. Did I mention it has an ambidexterous mag release and a light rail?
Unfortunately, all is not rosy in XD land. The trigger is light, but it is a bit vague and has a long reset. The gun is short, but tall and wide, making it harder to conceal (for me anyways) than the longer but not as tall M&P, or the longer but not as tall and skinnier Paras, or the just plain smaller Kel-Tecs. It's kinda heavy... and last, but not least, it's ugly. On the plus side, the 10 round magazine can easily be modified to hold 12 rounds (and maybe more), and that counts for a lot in my book. This is also the only gun that comes with a holster and mag holders.
Caliber: 9mm
L/H/W: 6.65/4.33/1.3
Weight empty: 22.0oz
Weight loaded:
Barrel: 3.5"
If the XD is a gadget freak's wet dream, then the M&P is all business. There is a safety, on the trigger. There is a chamber loaded indicator: a hole in the top of the gun. There's... um, a light rail; as far as amenities go, that's about it. The M&P does have interchangeable back straps, and there is considerable difference between the small, medium, and large sizes, which means it should fit almost every hand. The texturing on the grip is also nice: not too aggressive, but enough to enhance your grip on the gun. The trigger is a bit heavy, but it breaks crisp and the reset, although a little long, positively lets you know when it's GO time again. The gun is long but not tall, so it should print less, and it is a little lighter and slimmer than the XD, so should be more comfortable to carry. Finally, it is one NICE looking gun, which, for many people, probably makes it the perfect carry weapon... oh, yeah, and because all the other stuff, too. If you bought an M&P in the last couple of months, you can qualify for a $50 rebate and 2 free magazines, which makes for a nice little bit of lagniappe.
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